cnn cannot confirm the girl in the photo is the alleged victim. but it's the release of this photo that created a wave of social media attention and an increase in media coverage. >> it's kind of unforwarded and then it grew beyond all proportions we ever thought, with the pictures and the graphic descriptions of the boy that was on the video the other day talking about this from that particular night. this young lady didn't know what happened. that's what i believe that the case is about. >> the case gained national attention after "the new york times" published a lengthy piece on it in december. the controversy has shaken the town. some residents even accusing outsiders of trying to ruin the reputation of the high school football team. a text message may be a crucial piece of evidence in an upcoming trial. >> i would like to bring up an interesting fact, that my client received a text message from the alleged victim. the alleged victim herself, stating that she said, i know you didn't rape me. >> what? >> she texted my client, the next day, stat